Nutrient Utilization in West Africa Dwarf Sheep Fed Panicum Maximum Supplemented With Gliricidia Sepium and Justicia Carnea-Based Multinutrient Blocks.

ABSTRACT This study was designed to investigate the nutrient utilization in West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed Panicum maximum supplemented with Gliricidia sepium and Justicia carnea-based multinutrient blocks designated as T1, T2, and T3. Fifteen yearling WAD sheep were used in this study, arranged in a completely randomized design. The animals had free access to water and were fed the experimental diets for 12 weeks. The study assessed proximate composition, mineral content, anti-nutritional factors, nutrient utilization and nitrogen balance. Results revealed that the crude fiber content recorded was 6.15g 100g-1 . Anti-nutritional factors detected included tannin, phytate, oxalate, saponin, and flavonoid. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher in sheep fed the multinutrient block diets compared to the control (Panicum maximum only). Nutrient utilization was significantly improved in the multinutrient block treatments, with sheep fed Gliricidia sepium and Justicia carnea-based blocks (GMNB and JMNB) exhibiting superior performance. The proximate composition of the experimental diets showed dry matter (DM) content ranging from 58.09–84.35 g/100g, crude protein (CP) from 8.14–21.60 g/100g, and crude fiber (CF) from 6.15–37.74 g/100g. Gross energy values were highest in T3 (13.92 MJ/kg) compared to T1 (9.38 MJ/kg) and T2 (9.20 MJ/kg). Mineral composition analysis indicated that sodium, potassium, calcium, and zinc levels were higher in T1 and T2 than in T3. Anti-nutrient analysis revealed tannin, phytate, oxalate, and flavonoid levels were significantly higher in T1 and T2 than in T3. Apparent digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, and CF were significantly higher (p